Substance abuse can start unexpectedly. In fact, for many people, what seems like innocent or experimental use of substances can turn into a full-blown problem.
According to addiction expert Jean Welsh, MD, using substances even once can alter your brain chemistry in ways that make them extremely addictive. These signs all show you potentially have a substance abuse problem and should seek drug and alcohol counseling at Primary & Alternative Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
When you’re struggling with substance abuse, it can be challenging to address it alone. Getting support makes it much easier to conquer your substance problem and helps you live a life free of addiction.
These are signs you could need assistance coping with substance abuse:
Cravings are strong urges for a drug or other substance that overwhelm your system. They’re your brain sending signals to use the drug that are hard to ignore and make it difficult to stop using.
You can find yourself submitting to cravings rather than doing another activity you enjoy or taking care of other responsibilities. You might feel like you have little to no control over when you use it.
Withdrawal is a physical response your body has when a drug leaves your system. After using the drug, signs of withdrawal include:
It can be impossible to function in your daily life while experiencing withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can feel similar to having an illness.
You can experience changes to your physical appearance when you use substances regularly or go through withdrawal. You might notice:
Others might comment that you seem tired or disheveled. You might find you feel too tired or sick to do your usual grooming and hygiene routines.
A sign of needing help for substance abuse is not being able to control how much you use. This can include taking more medication than you were prescribed or only planning to use a certain amount of a substance but usually ending up consuming more.
You can feel out of control when you’re using and like you’re not able to keep to only a certain amount.
If you engage in risky behavior to access your substance, it can be a sign that you need help. Examples of this include spending all your money, skipping work or school, engaging with people you find unscrupulous, or doing illegal activities to get access to the substance.
With drug and alcohol counseling, you don’t have to try to conquer your substance problem alone. Our team provides practical solutions, referrals, accountability, and someone to cheer you on.
Your individualized program can include:
Substance abuse can be challenging to defeat, but many people go on after treatment to live addiction-free, healthy lives. Contact us if you’re ready to start conquering your addiction.
